Chances are, in true local tradition, that you may find shelves are already beginning to empty in the bread and milk aisles. In the meantime, officials have some words of wisdom on how to ensure that you don’t join the ranks of those negatively impacted by any extreme weather conditions this weekend. Capt. Jack Armstrong with Monroe Fire Department has this advice.

“Slow down in all things that you do. Being in a hurry could make you not show up at all. By slowing down you increase your survival chances if you are in an accident or witness one approaching you,” Armstrong said, adding, “Everyone should wear a seatbelt! As with any rain/freezing event, accidents will be on the increase.”

The roads are not the only hazards during extreme winter weather conditions. Heating homes also can be problematic.

“Heaters are for heating and stoves are for cooking! Don’t confuse the two. Don’t operate a generator anywhere inside a home. You don’t run your lawnmower inside your house! These items need fresh clean outdoor air to operate,” Armstrong said. “If you have a fireplace, be kind to it! Don’t load it up and expect it to warm the neighborhood. If you do overload it and it gets out of hand, you probably will warm the neighborhood with your house on fire.”

The Georgia Department of Transportation has put out a press release letting everybody know that the agency is on standby to deal with any hazardous road conditions due to the winter weather.

” Snow and ice accumulations are possible, and travel conditions could become extremely hazardous. Monitor local media and be prepared to adjust travel plans as conditions change,” officials noted in the press release. “Winter weather preparation has been a topic of discussion all week, supplies are stockpiled, brine is ready, crews are on call and the snow-removal fleet has expanded — the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is prepared for winter.”

Officials advise that the Department has more than 385 snow removal units that are ready to be deployed should the need arise and “a well-thought-out emergency plan is in place to relocate district resources to the most needed areas during an event.”

“GDOT continues to enhance its preparations for extreme winter weather to treat impacted interstates and highways before, during and after a snow or icing event,” Bryan Haines, GDOT’s Director of Emergency Operations said in the release. “Our number one goal is to treat the interstates and state routes and keep them safe and passable, especially for emergency vehicles.”

GDOT has the following equipment, materials, and staff that are readily available for any winter weather event

GDOT is also urging motorists to “buckle up, use caution, minimize unnecessary travel, and reduce travel speed, especially in the overnight hours to ensure that Georgia DOT crews have room to treat and clear roadways. For the most up-to-date travel information, visit www.511ga.org or call 511 to stay informed!